Williams wins Community Assist Award

NEW YORK -- Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams is the recipient of the Kia Community Assist Award for November in recognition of his outstanding efforts in the community and his ongoing philanthropic and charitable work, the NBA announced today.

Kia and the NBA are honoring Williams in part for his charitable efforts through his Point of Hope Foundation (POH), which supports programs that provide resources, research grants and a number of in-house initiatives that help children and families in need. Recently, Williams, his family and the POH Foundation teamed up with the local organization "Neighbors Together" to serve meals to more than 200 under-served families affected by Hurricane Sandy. In the aftermath of Sandy, Williams also donated $10,000 to the Food Bank for New York to provide support for those in need.

"I am grateful to be in a position to give back to others, especially given that there are so many different causes, so many different diseases, and so many people who have problems," said Williams. "The Point of Hope Foundation is just about helping people in need, and kids, especially."

This season Williams has been very active in the Brooklyn community. During a visit to St. John's Bread and Life Program in Brooklyn, he and his teammates served food to more than 250 homeless children and families. Recognizing he is a role model for kids and the importance of education, Williams also participated in the "Dad Take Your Child to School" event where he donated $5,500 to purchase 300 book bags and school supplies for each student at PS67. At PS67, Williams hosted an assembly for parents, guests, and the entire student body that stressed the importance of education and staying in school. In addition, Williams and the Nets visited Maimonides Hospital in Brooklyn, where he met with every child in the pediatric unit, spending time with them and their family members.

Prior to Tuesday night's home game against the New York Knicks, NBA Cares Ambassador Bob Lanier will be on hand to present Williams with the Kia Community Assist Award. Williams will receive the David Robinson Plaque with the inscription, "Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson who improved the community piece by piece." In addition, Kia and the NBA will donate $10,000 on Williams' behalf to the Point of Hope Foundation.

Kia Motors has been an NBA Cares partner since 2010. The league presents the Kia Community Assist Award monthly throughout the season as well as a final award at the end of the season to recognize players for their year-round charitable efforts. The award honors the NBA player who best reflects the passion that the league and its players have for giving back to their communities.